San Diego News

Fall Chores

Julian, California - People will be spending more time indoors as autumn and winter approach and many of us are apt to get the notion of "fixing up the place." Perhaps the living room can use a new coat of paint or those curtains in the bedroom need to be replaced. But before you tackle cosmetic projects, it is a good idea to take an inventory of seasonal priorities, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens.

The heating system comes first. Ideally, you'll schedule an annual tune up. A qualified technician will ensure that it is operating efficiently and that you won't have to worry about hazards such as carbon monoxide. And, if you have a fireplace, make sure the chimney is swept.

You'll need to inspect and clean out the gutters. It's a chore you may want to hand off to a local handyman, particularly since it will need to be repeated several times while leaves are falling.

While you are at it, check the garden hose connections and drain any standing water from pipes leading to outdoor faucets that might freeze during a cold snap.